While Thomas will be in Portugal, Team Sky will also have a team led by Chris Froome at the Ruta del Sol in Spain, despite the Tour de France champion being under investigation for the use of his asthma medication last year.

The result of the investigation could affect Thomas’ Grand Tour plans this season as he is usually deployed as Froome’s most senior support rider.

Froome has announced he will race in the Giro d’Italia as he attempts to win a third Grand Tour in a row.